Plasma Alpha-Subunit Levels during the Treatment of Pituitary Adenomas with the Somatostatin Analog (SMS 201-995)

Abstract

The effect os SMS 201-995 (Sandostatin), a long-acting somatostatin analog, on different types of pituitary adenomas including α-subunit elevation is illustrated in this report. Treatment induced a fall in hCG levels in a woman with a pituitary adenoma producing only α-subunit. In 3 acromegalic patients, there was only a partial drop in GH and α-hCG. The same effect was observed in a woman with menopausal FSH and LH levels. SMS reduced plasma TSH and α-hCG in a case of thyrotropic adenoma. Two patients exhibiting FSH- and α-hCG-secreting adenomas did not respond to acute administration of SMS 201–995. More patients have to be treated before a definitive statement can be made on the usefulness of somatostatin analogs in the management of different types of pituitary adenomas.